Live from RWA19

Good morning, Seekerville friends.

Today's post is a bit different from usual. Debby, Mindy, Winnie and I are at RWA19 in NYC along with a couple of thousand other writers, editors, and assorted publishing professionals. We're hoping to meet up with a lot of Villagers during the next few days.

I thought I'd take advantage of this opportunity to share some of the conference experiences with you, but the drawback is that, due to schedule changes, the conference doesn't really get kicking until this afternoon.

I'll be back to post photos as I can during the next few days, but while we're waiting for things to start up, let's talk about conferences in general.

There are two main types of conferences in the romance world - ones aimed at writers developing their craft, networking, and just letting loose away from their keyboards for a few days. RWA and ACFW are the two biggest, but there are so many regional gems as well.


The other kind of conferences are the ones focusing on readers. There have been a variety of these over the years, beginning with RT, but most people here are probably familiar with CFRR.

Some people don't have a chance to go to a conference, or choose not to, and make a vow to spend the time doing extra writing instead.

I'll be honest. I probably wouldn't be doing RWA this year given all that has been going on in my life, but I live here, so it would have been foolish to skip it.  I'm mourning the loss of writing time, but looking forward to meeting with my editor and seeing friends.


Let's chat about your experiences. Have you been to either type of conference? Which type do you prefer? I'd really love to know more about the conferences you've been to.
What are you looking for when you choose a conference?

One of the other issues that comes up at conference time is the whole introvert vs extrovert question. I absolutely love going to conferences with friends, but if I'm going to have to be around a bunch of strangers for days, it is not my happy place. If you can't find me, I'm probably off in a corner with a cup of coffee or tea.

Last week I was on a beach in Maine. Times Square is a whole nother world.

I'm also one of those people who actually does go to all the workshops because that's like being in school and I was good at that.
Others thrive on meeting new people and taking in as much of the excitement as possible. Which are you?

Does anyone have anything special they want to see from RWA19?


Check back later for photos.

And if you're here, please say hello and/or send me your photos to add to the blog. authorcatenolan@gmail.com


Please join in the conversation. RWA always has lots of free books and other swag, so I'll be putting some of it up for giveaways as I find it.


ETA: It really was a slow start today - you had your choice of two workshops
Anatomy of a Book Launch or Anatomy of a Scene with Lisa Cron.

Those of you who have read my previous Seekerville guest posts (both as Cate and Mary), will know that I love Lisa's insights into neuroscience and story. so I chose to attend hers. Also, hers was the one that supposedly was not being recorded (though that seems to have changed). It was an interesting three hour immersive workshop that took you through all the questions you should be asking yourself as you write a scene. For me, it was fascinating to compare her list with what I have done intuitively. If You've read her book, Story Genius, most of the workshop was probably covered in there, though she did say she had updated some.

Afterwards, it was off to dinner with members of the Faith, Hope & Love chapter of RWA.  I'm stuffed on Italian food, but had a great time chatting with so many friends.
Not much chance for pictures, but here are a few. Ignore me. I tend to break cameras. :)

Anatomy of a Scene with Lisa Cron

Mindy sends kisses.

With Dana R. Lynn

Pam and Tanya

Times Square - I really don't understand why people come here.

More to come tomorrow. I'll try to pick up some books at the Harlequin signing to offer to lucky readers.